When does an accelerated electron not radiate?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions under which an accelerated electron may not radiate energy, exploring concepts from classical electrodynamics and quantum mechanics. It touches on the implications of stationary states and energy levels in relation to radiation emission.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that classical electrodynamics posits that any charged particle with non-zero acceleration radiates energy continuously, while questioning the validity of this assumption in light of stationary states.
  • The same participant suggests that quantum mechanics implies that if a particle's velocity does not change and there is no lower energy state available, then radiation does not occur.
  • Another participant directs attention to the forum's FAQ for further clarification, indicating a procedural aspect rather than engaging with the technical content.
  • A subsequent reply reiterates the difficulty in locating the FAQ, suggesting a lack of clarity in forum navigation.
  • A later comment expresses frustration towards the responses received, indicating a potential breakdown in communication or support within the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the conditions under which an accelerated electron does not radiate. There are competing interpretations of classical and quantum mechanics, and procedural issues regarding forum navigation are also present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the accessibility of forum resources, which may affect the depth of the discussion on the primary topic.

pej.dgr
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Classical electrodynamics assumes that any charged particle that has a non-zero acceleration is, all the time, radiating energy even if most of the time the energy loss is far too small to detect. Anyone who accepts the physical existence of stationary states rejects the “all the time” assumption.

I would read quantum mechanics as saying “If with no change in the velocity of the particle there is no attainable state of lower energy there will be no radiation?”

Is this correct?

Phil Gardner
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Please read our FAQ in the General Physics section.

Zz.
 
How does one find your FAQ? A search for "FAQ" turns up nothing. A title search for "Freqently" or "asked" turns up nothing relevant.

Phil Gardner
 
pej.dgr said:
How does one find your FAQ? A search for "FAQ" turns up nothing. A title search for "Freqently" or "asked" turns up nothing relevant.

Phil Gardner

Er... as was mentioned, go to the General Physics forum. One of the stickied thread is titled "Physics Forums FAQ".

Zz.
 
what a rat guy zapperz
 

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